Bealach na Ba

Bealach na Ba

Bealach na Bà is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula in the Scottish Highlands. Its summit promises stunning views if you can handle the terrifying twists and turns of the treacherous track. Set in the Applecross Peninsula, its single road track even features a turn known as ‘the devil’s elbow’, so tight and unforgiving that it would take a very brave heart (or reckless mind) to attempt to tackle it behind the wheel. Literally translating to ‘the pass of the cattle’, the road remains one of the most dangerous, steep and unforgettable to drive along, demanding complete concentration from those who dare to try it. But, as many who have conquered it would attest, the view from the top is worth the tension. The historic mountain pass was built in 1822 and is engineered similarly to roads through the great mountain passes in the Alps, with very tight hairpin bends that switch back and forth up the hillside and gradients that approach 20%. It has the steepest ascent of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level at Applecross to 626 metres (2,054 ft), and is the third highest road in Scotland. In recent years a pair of cyclosportive cycling events has been staged in the surrounding region, and over the pass. The 70 km Bealach Beag event is in May, and the 144 km Bealach Mòr is each September.